Condolences for David Masondo pour in for music icon

President Jacob Zuma has expressed his condolences on the sad departure of one of South Africa's iconic music figures and pioneer of Mbhaqanga music, David Masondo of the Soul Brothers group, who passed away this weekend.

Masondo passed away at the Garden City hospital, in Johannesburg, on Sunday, at the age of 67.

"The whole nation mourns this talented icon of our country, whose music not only put South Africa on the global stage but also could be heard in the streets, in the valleys and all corners of our country. It was music for the whole family," said President Zuma.

"We wish to convey, on behalf of government and the entire nation, our deepest condolences on the passing of this cultural hero. His loss is the whole nation's loss. May his soul rest in peace," the President said.

Minister of Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has also conveyed his condolences to the family of Masondo.

“The group being formed in 1974, during the darkest times in the history of our country entertained the working class communities and the rural poor speaking to their challenges of the day and giving them hope,” Minister Mthethwa said on Monday.

Soul Brothers produced over 30 albums and remained the most successful proponents of the mbaqanga or traditional sound which dominated South African urban music for over three decades, Minister Mthethwa said.

“The group enjoyed a massive commercial success and acclaim. Amongst its success was to record an album with another South African who was in exile at the time in Botswana,” department spokesperson Sandile Memela said.

In 1983, the group recorded an album with the legendary artist Hugh Masekela.

“Due to the draconian laws of apartheid and the academic and cultural boycott imposed on apartheid South Africa by the world community, this group could only travel to Europe in 1990,” Memela said. – SAnews.gov.za